David Pleat and David O'Leary joined forces to sing the praises of Robbie Keane after the Republic of Ireland striker inspired Tottenham to a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa at White Hart Lane yesterday.

Villa boss O'Leary was the man who took Keane to Leeds when he was in charge at Elland Road, while director of football Pleat was instrumental in signing him for Spurs last year.

Spurs were trailing to Marcus Allback's 66th-minute goal before Keane set up substitute Rohan Ricketts for a 77th-minute equaliser and then struck the winner himself three minutes later.

"At times Robbie is so talented that he tends to over-elaborate because he knows he can do things other players can't. So you have to live with his upside and accept any downsides. He has cleverness," said Pleat.

O'Leary added: "He's a good player and an excellent lad to deal with, and he's a goalscorer. He is a quality player and he can do those things to you if he is given the room."

Keane said: "I was certainly due a goal, I've not been scoring as regularly as last year. I got a bad injury which put me back a bit so it was nice to get on the scoresheet but the most important thing was to get the win."

"I'm sure it wasn't the most entertaining game to watch and at half-time David [Pleat] and Chris [Hughton] had a few words. It was important we bounced back, and we did."

O'Leary refused to blame the off-the-field pressures for Villa's troubles on the pitch, following the departure of chief executive Mark Ansell and pressure on chairman Doug Ellis to stand aside.

"You have just got to get on with it," said O'Leary. "We are football people and we have to get on with life. You coach the team and the players play for you. You can only do it to the best of your ability."